Emergency preparedness and response took center stage at the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism meeting on June 8, 2025. The committee emphasized the importance of safeguarding Texas's natural and cultural heritage while addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters.

Chairman Metcalfe opened the meeting by highlighting the committee's responsibility to protect the state's history and recreational spaces. The focus of the hearing was on emergency preparedness, particularly in relation to recent flooding events that impacted state parks and wildlife. Testimonies were provided by representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Texas Historical Commission, and other stakeholders.

David Yoskowitz, Executive Director of TPWD, detailed the department's comprehensive emergency management strategies. He noted that the agency's preparedness efforts include site-specific emergency plans for each of the 89 state parks, which attract nearly 10 million visitors annually. Yoskowitz praised the quick actions taken during the July 4 floods, where park staff successfully evacuated or relocated 359 visitors without any injuries or casualties.

Colonel Ron Vander Roos of the Texas Game Wardens also spoke about the critical role of game wardens in emergency management. He highlighted their unique dual function in law enforcement and search and rescue, which allows them to respond effectively to disasters. Vander Roos noted that over 169 game wardens were pre-deployed to the Hill Country before the flooding, enabling swift rescue operations as conditions worsened.

The committee's discussions underscored the need for ongoing collaboration among state agencies to enhance Texas's resilience against natural disasters. As the state continues to face environmental challenges, the commitment to preserving its cultural and natural resources remains a top priority. The meeting concluded with a call for further cooperation to ensure the safety and well-being of all Texans in the face of future emergencies.